Conjunctivitis
S/S of bacterial conjunctivitis
thick sticky purulent discharge, redness/pinkness, swelling of the conjunctiva, crusting on eyelids, pain/discomfort in the eye
S/S of Acute Otitis Media
acute onset of severe pain or earache, fullness or congestion of the ear, low pitched hum, dizziness
otalgia meaning
earache
S/S of viral conjunctivitis
Profuse watery discharge, redness/pinkness, swelling of the conjunctiva, pain/discomfort
S/S Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)
muffled hearing or a sense of fullness in the ear
What causes an increased risk of otitis media?
upper respiratory infections, allergies, down syndrome, daycare attendance, exposure to secondhand smoke, bottle propping during feeding, genetics
S/S of allergic conjunctivitis
watery, itching, burning, mild discomfort, excessive tearing, swelling, tiny follicles on conjuntiva, less swelling than other types of conjunctiva but swelling on the eyelids occurs
S/S of Chronic Otitis Media
often follows repeated acute otitis media episodes
How should you pull an adults and a childs ear back when administering medications
child--> down and back
adult--> up
What is opthalamia neonatorum?
inflammation caused by sexually transmitted bacteria acquired during birth. Treated with erythromycin
Myringotomy
surgical opening of the tympanic membrane which drains middle ear fluids and immediately relieves pain
What is a big nursing intervention for otitis media?
HEARING LOSS PREVENTION
Medication considerations
shake drops well, avoid touching eye with dropper, always apply to the conjunctival sac, apply pressure to the inner canthus after installation, finish entire prescription, 5 mins between different eye medications, dont wear contacts until medication is finished
Tympanostomy tubes
small tubes placed through the tympanic membrane allows continuous drainage of the middle ear fluids
Medication considerations
massage tragus after drops, lie on opposite side of affected ear after installation, finish entire prescription, keep medication at room temperature